Category: ktvz-local-news

KTVZ News Partners

ALFALFA, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Alfalfa Fire District is again facing questions about its future after years of missing financial reports. 

According to media partner The Prineville Review, state and county officials warn the district could be dissolved if it doesn’t get its finances in order. The Oregon Secretary of State says the district failed to file reports for 2020–22 through 2020–24, continuing a long pattern of noncompliance under Chief Chad LaVallee. 

County Counsel told LaVallee that dissolution could follow without immediate action.  

LaVallee told The Prineville Review wildfire demands caused delays but said an accounting firm is now catching up.  

Critics argue those same issues raise doubts as the district seeks to expand into Crook County’s Juniper Acres. 

Chief LaVallee has been under scrutiny before. Back in January 2024, three volunteers for the fire district reached out to KTVZ after they said their concerns over training and other issues weren’t taken seriously enough by LaVallee and the Alfalfa Fire District’s Board. 

They point to an incident that occurred in June 2023. They say Chief LaVallee used a 16-year-old as a victim in a live fire training, which is against regulations by the National Fire Protection Agency and violates OSHA guidelines. 

Former volunteer Ellis Kurzman said: “After the horn was blown, I noticed that Carl, the cadet we had who was under 18 that was in the building, wasn’t there.” 

According to The Prineville Review, they could not immediately confirm if LaVallee has kept the Board of Directors advised of these current issues relating to noncompliance. 

This is a developing story. KTVZ will continue to follow leads and will report back with any updated information. 

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Cami Porter

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend Design Conference kicked off today at Oregon State University – Cascades, marking its 10th anniversary and a new chapter for this popular creative gathering. Running through tomorrow, the event brings together artists, designers, and makers from diverse backgrounds to explore creativity, inspiration, and new approaches to work and community.​

For a decade, Bend Design has provided a unique platform for participants to reexamine branding, advertising, and business strategies, while sparking fresh ideas and connections. The conference has broadened its focus over the years to include food, community, and sustainability, reflecting Central Oregon’s innovative spirit.​

Today, attendees met at OSU-Cascades to listen to speakers from a range of design disciplines discuss how they find motivation and make a living through their craft.

“So far? Just a lot of inspiration. It’s been really cool to hear people talk about subjects I don’t know a ton about, but they always seem to inform whatever I’m thinking about or working on at the time, so—it’s been great,” shared local artist Jake Kenobi.

OSU-Cascades is known for fostering creativity and bold ideas and was selected as the new venue due to its commitment to interdisciplinary thinking and sustainability. “One of our goals at OSU-Cascades is to really be a place of gathering and of learning for people of all ages and in all areas of life. And so the Bend Design conference, being here on campus, we’re excited for community members to come learn about campus, to come learn together,” said Shannon Lipscomb, associate dean at OSU-Cascades​.

Artists from the conference are also opening special exhibits at Scalehouse Gallery in downtown Bend, offering further opportunities for attendees to engage with new works and the local creative community. The conference continues through November 8th, with more workshops and the unveiling of two new gallery exhibitions — AnnexPublic (Art)Works and Disparate, Desperate & Determined.​

For tickets, schedules, and a complete list of speakers, visit the Bend Design website.

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Cami Porter

SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — There’s a different way to take advantage of the nice weather this weekend: by going to the observatory.

The Sunriver Observatory is not just open at night. During the day, it offers solar observations where employees outfit telescopes with different filters, making it safe to look directly at the sun.

Today, the observatory debuted a new telescope equipped with a calcium filter, allowing visitors to see different layers of the sun.

Alex Yager, a science interpreter at the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory, explained the new feature.

“It’s one that can be a little bit challenging,” Yager said. “So some people have a harder time seeing it. It’s right on the border of visible light, right before it gets to UV light. So that shows the upper layer of what’s called the chromosphere. It’s above the surface of the sun. The coolest thing we can see is probably hydrogen clouds that are suspended above the sun.”

The observatory has also started selling tickets for a special event happening on November 20th, from 5:30PM to 7PM. It will host a seminar called “Twilight Talk: How Far Is That, and How Do You Know?” on the “Cosmic Distance Ladder,” which explains how distances are measured in space. You can find more information on their website.

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KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The team at The Peaks 360 rural residential community, announced Friday an immediate $25,000 donation to NeighborImpact, a Central Oregon-based nonprofit organization serving Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties and Warm Springs.

This donation is in direct response to the food insecurity emergency faced by many Central Oregon residents due to the ongoing government shutdown, as well as a delay in state funding, The Peaks 360 said in a news release that continues in full below:

“The current government shutdown is creating significant hardship for families throughout Central Oregon, and we feel compelled to step up and provide additional immediate support,” said Mark Stockamp, The Peaks 360 Research & Development Manager. “NeighborImpact is on the front lines, providing vital resources to those in need, and we are proud to partner with them to help alleviate the burden during this challenging time.”

NeighborImpact provides a network of support to meet basic needs, alleviate poverty, and build stability for Central Oregon residents through a large variety of programs, including food assistance, housing support, energy assistance, and early childhood education, among others. The $25,000 donation from The Peaks 360 will directly support NeighborImpact’s food assistance programs, helping to ensure that individuals and families have access to nutritious meals during the shutdown.

“We’re deeply grateful to The Peaks 360 for their continued commitment to our community,” said Scott Cooper, Executive Director of NeighborImpact. “This funding comes at a critical moment. Although SNAP benefits have been restored, uncertainty remains. Until the federal government reopens, there is no guarantee that December SNAP benefits—or other federal safety-net programs—will be funded. Meanwhile, the need for food assistance remains at record levels.”

He added that NeighborImpact’s food network continues to work diligently to keep food moving to families across Central Oregon.

“The food network will need to work hard in the coming months to keep shelves stocked and food flowing during the busiest time of the year,” Cooper said. “Community support like this helps make that possible.”

This commitment reflects the team at The Peaks 360’s existing pledge to donate the majority of profits from The Peaks 360 rural residential community to the great work that nonprofits here in Central Oregon and beyond are doing. Despite The Peaks 360 not yet generating profits, the project has already donated over $300,000 to Central Oregon nonprofits that support the local community.

The Peaks 360 invites others to donate to NeighborImpact to support the immediate food insecurity needs of Central Oregon residents. Donate at: www.neighborimpact.org/#donate and select “The Peaks 360 Matching Gift” from the drop-down menu.

About NeighborImpact:

NeighborImpact (https://www.neighborimpact.org/) is a private non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals and families access skills for success, family services, financial security, housing, healthy homes, and food. NeighborImpact serves Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson counties.

About The Peaks 360

The Peaks 360 is a 710-acre rural residential community located northwest of Redmond, Oregon. Designed to meet the changing needs of homebuyers while ensuring long-term environmental sustainability, it stands apart by dedicating the majority of its proceeds, including the majority owner’s commitment to give all their profits to nonprofits, including many local nonprofit organizations that strengthen the Central Oregon community.

For more information about The Peaks 360 and its community-driven initiatives, visit www.thepeaks360.com.

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KTVZ

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) – Rimrock Trails Treatment Services said Friday it is proud to announce that its fourth annual A Night to Remember: Bowties & Boots fundraiser, presented by Jeff Larkin Realty, raised more than $110,000 to support essential behavioral health services for individuals and families across Central Oregon. 

Here’s the full announcement from Rimrock Trails:

Held on a lovely October evening at the Brasada Ranch Event Barn, the sold-out gala brought together community members, sponsors, and supporters for a festive celebration of generosity and hope. The venue was transformed into a fall-inspired setting, complete with live music by Grits ‘n Gravy, lively auctioneering by Graham Crow, photo fun from The Photo Lounge, glowing candles, and a roaring fire. Guests enjoyed delicious cuisine, prize drawings, and both live and silent auction opportunities. 

“Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our community, this year’s A Night to Remember truly lived up to its name,” said Erica Fuller, CEO of Rimrock Trails. “We are in unprecedented times, and just as Rimrock Trails has always been there for our community, our supporters once again stepped forward to ensure continued access to vital mental health services in Central Oregon.” 

Founded 35 years ago, Rimrock Trails is one of Central Oregon’s longest-standing behavioral healthcare providers, offering a continuum of services for children, teens, adults, and families affected by mental health and substance use challenges. 

The success of this year’s event was made possible through the dedication and generosity of sponsors, donors, attendees, and volunteers. Rimrock Trails extends heartfelt gratitude to its presenting sponsor, Jeff Larkin Realty, and to Hero of Hope event sponsors – BASX, Coldwell Banker Sun Country, Hayden Homes, Les Schwab Tire Centers, and St. Charles Health System.  

Sincere thanks also go to all our other many giving sponsors and event contributors. – OnPoint Community Credit Union, Amber Wilson of Boss Mortgage, Summit Bank, Brenda Turner Consulting, Central Oregon Garden Supply, Deschutes County Title, McDonald’s Central Oregon, Mazatlán’s Authentic Cuisine, Taylor Northwest, Wittmer Construction, Addie Fagen, Alliance Professionals, LLP, AmeriTitle, Friends of Rob Imhoff, High Desert Florals, MidOregon Personnel, Prineville Insurance, and The Leutschaft Family Trust. 

Rimrock Trails also recognizes the numerous businesses and individuals who donated goods and services to the auctions and raffles, as well as the amazing volunteers from Prineville, Redmond, and Bend who devoted months to planning and executing the event. 

A special acknowledgment goes to Catherine Kuehn for her generous matching gift in support of the adolescent residential treatment program. Those wishing to contribute to this ongoing matching opportunity may visit www.rimrocktrails.org/donate. 

“The generosity and giving spirits of our supporters continue to inspire us,” Fuller said. “As we celebrate 35 years of serving Central Oregon, we look forward to many more years of providing hope and healing for those who need it most.” 

About Rimrock Trails Treatment Services:

Rimrock Trails operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, specializing in behavioral health services. 

To learn more, or to make a secure tax-deductible donation – visit www.Rimrocktrails.org. 

Founded in 1990, Rimrock Trails is dedicated to improving the lives of those struggling with mental health and substance use by providing timely access to compassionate and effective behavioral healthcare. 

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Rimrock Trails thanks our Heroes of Hope Community Partners – Business donors of $5,000 and above – BASX, Boss Mortgage, Coldwell Banker Sun Country Realty, Inc. and Traci Utterback, Hayden Homes, The Hunter Homes Memorial Fund, Jeff Larkin Realty, Les Schwab Tires, Oregon Community Foundation, Pacific Source Health Plans, Pape Machinery, St. Charles Health System, Stryker, and Wild Ride Brewing Co. 

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Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — One chart jumps off the page in October’s Central Oregon home sales report from Beacon Appraisal Group – a noteworthy spike in how long it took to sell a Bend home.

“I was kind of shocked by that,” appraiser Donnie Montagner told KTVZ News when asked about the 66-day median days on market for sold Bend homes.

That’s up three weeks in a single month – and the longest time to sell a house in the Bend market since the pandemic hit in March of 2020, Montagner said.

By contrast, the number of Bend home sales in October declined, but in far less dramatic fashion, down 16 homes to 162 – a not-unusual start to the slower fall real estate season.

Bend’s median home sales price continued its zig-zag in a relatively narrow range, for Bend anyway — up $63,000 last month, to $778,000.

Bend’s home building permits tally actually rose by 11 to 56 last month and the inventory of homes up for sale dipped by a half-month, to 3 1/2 months.

A much different picture emerges in Redmond, where the days on market for sold properties dropped by a similar 23 days, from 47 to 24 days, while the median home sale price was pretty stable, slipping $15,000 to $515,000.

A little of Bend’s slower market could be seasonal, but looking at Redmond, “we’ve had some drawdown in interest rates,” Montagner pointed out.

“It’s pretty hard to decipher” why two nearby cities would see such a contrast in their numbers, Montagner said. But the resorts and higher-end neighborhoods within Bend’s city limits also make for a different home sales picture, segment-wise, than in Redmond. Montagner pointed out that 29% of Bend’s home sales last month were over $1 million.

And going even farther back, before the pandemic, Bend’s median days on market for sold homes in 2019 was 103 days. And back in 2009, coming out of what was called the Great Recession, Bend’s median days on market was even longer, at 153 days, Montagner said.

“The median home price (in Bend) back then was $200,000,” the appraiser said – a different time, indeed.

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KTVZ

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Sisters City Council will hold a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 19, as it considers new building hardening rules to make new homes more resistant to wildfires.

If adopted, the standards under Oregon Residential Specialty Code Section R327 – Wildfire Hazard Mitigation. would apply to new dwellings and their accessory structures within the city limits, enhancing local wildfire resiliency through building hardening measures.

The City Council identified wildfire mitigation and community resiliency as a key goal for the 2025–26 fiscal year, including the adoption of building hardening standards through the Sisters Municipal Code (SMC).

These standards are designed to make new homes more resistant to wildfire damage by using ignition-resistant materials and construction techniques that reduce the spread of fire.

Together with defensible space practices, these improvements reduce the likelihood that nearby wildfires will ignite structures and help protect both life and property, city officials said Friday.

“This action is part of an ongoing commitment by the city to mitigate the impacts of wildfire and build a more resilient community.,” they said in a news release.

Community members are encouraged to attend and provide public testimony regarding the proposed adoption of ORSC Section R327 – Wildfire Hazard Mitigation.

Meeting information is available at www.ci.sisters.or.us/meetings 

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KTVZ

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Sisters is inviting the community to a ribbon-cutting celebration for the new Sisters Gateway Park and Mobility Hub on Monday, Nov. 17 at 10 a.m at the new park, located at 460 U.S. Highway 20.

“The Sisters Gateway Park and Mobility Hub represents a major step forward in the city’s commitment to sustainable transportation, outdoor recreation, and community gathering spaces,” the city said in a news release Friday that continues below:

The project integrates regional transportation options and amenities such as bathrooms, RV dump, and fill stations, as well as a community labyrinth and planned dog park, all designed to welcome residents and visitors alike.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will feature remarks from Mayor Jennifer Letz, City Manager Jordan Wheeler and project partners, followed by a tour of the new facilities.

“The Sisters Gateway Park and Mobility Hub is more than just a transportation center,” said Mayor Letz. “It’s a welcoming entry point to our community and a model for how small cities can build for the future; connecting people, recreation, and sustainable mobility.”

The public is encouraged to attend and celebrate this milestone for the Sisters community.

For information on Sisters Gateway Park and Mobility Hub please go to:  www.ci.sisters.or.us/publicworks/page/gateway-park-mobility-hub 

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

POWELL BUTTE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Prineville man was hospitalized and cited for DUII after a crash on the Powell Butte Highway Thursday evening.

Crook County sheriff’s deputies responded around 5:25 p.m. to the reported crash on the highway near milepost 6, Sergeant Javier Sanchez said.

An investigation found that a 36-year-old Prineville man was heading east on the highway at the wheel of a pickup truck when it left the north side of the road, crashed through a fence and came to rest in a field, Sanchez said.

The injured driver was treated on the scene by Crook County and Redmond Fire and Rescue. He was then flown by Life Flight helicopter to St. Charles Bend, where the sergeant said he was in stable condition Friday.

The crash closed the highway in both directions for about a half-hour.

“Based on the investigation, alcohol and speed are believed to be contributing factors to the crash,” Sanchez said in a news release.

The driver was cited in lieu of custody for driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII).

The sheriff’s office thanked Crook County and Redmond Fire & Rescue, Life Flight, and STAR Towing for their assistance.  

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Kelsey Merison

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregonians can plan to receive a kicker credit on their tax returns next year for 2025.

According to the Oregon Department of Revenue, a more than $1.41 billion revenue surplus in the 2023-2025 biennium will trigger a kicker credit for the 2025 tax year.

The credit will either increase your tax refund or decrease the amount of state taxes you owe.

Read the full press release from the Oregon Department of Revenue below:

“The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis (OEA) has confirmed a more than $1.41 billion revenue surplus in the 2023-2025 biennium, triggering a tax surplus credit, or “kicker,” for the 2025 tax year.

The surplus will be returned to taxpayers through a credit on their 2025 state personal income tax returns filed in 2026. It is not sent to taxpayers in a check. The kicker credit will either increase a taxpayer’s Oregon state income tax refund or decrease the amount of state taxes they owe.

Only taxpayers who filed a tax year 2024 return and also file a tax year 2025 return can receive a kicker. The credit is a percentage of Oregon personal income tax liability for the 2024 tax year. Taxpayers who have not yet filed a 2024 tax return, should file now. That will allow them to claim their kicker credit when they file their 2025 tax return next year.

To calculate the amount of their credit, taxpayers can multiply their 2024 personal income tax liability before any credits—line 24 on the 2024 Form OR-40 filed earlier this year—by 9.863 percent. This percentage is determined and certified by OEA. Taxpayers who claimed a credit for tax paid to another state would need to subtract the credit amount from their liability before calculating the credit.

Personal income taxpayers can also determine the amount of their kicker using a “What’s My Kicker? calculator available on Revenue Online. To use the calculator, taxpayers will need to enter their name, Social Security Number, and filing status for 2024 and 2025.

Taxpayers who don’t have a filing obligation for 2025, still must file a 2025 tax return to claim their credit.

The 2025 Oregon personal income tax return instructions will include detailed information on how to claim the credit. Full-year Oregon residents will use Form OR-40. Part-year residents will use Form OR-40-P. Non-residents will use Form OR-40-N. Composite and fiduciary-income tax return filers are also eligible.

Taxpayers should keep in mind that the state may use all or part of their kicker to pay any state debt they owe. These debts can include taxes due for other years, child support, court fines, or school loans.

Taxpayers can donate their kicker to the Oregon State School Fund for K-12 public education, but they must donate the entire amount. The donation is permanent and cannot be taken back.

Taxpayers also have the option of donating part or all their refund to any or all the 29 charities approved by the Charitable Checkoff Commission. Taxpayers use Form OR-DONATE to designate their donation to charity.

For more information, go to the Oregon surplus “kicker” credit page of the Department of Revenue website.

Taxpayers that haven’t filed their 2024 Oregon tax return can still file electronically using tax preparation software or Direct File Oregon. Free tax preparation services are available for both federal and Oregon tax returns. Some companies offer free software use and e-filing for eligible taxpayers. Links to the software and free offers can be found on the Department of Revenue website. Information about free tax preparation services is also available on the website.

The Department of Revenue plans to announce the date taxpayers can start filing 2025 Oregon tax returns in January. The department will continue to offer Direct File Oregon as an option for taxpayers to electronically file their 2025 returns for free. The fastest way for taxpayers to claim and receive their kicker will be to file electronically and use direct deposit to receive their refund.

Visit www.oregon.gov/dor to get tax forms, check the status of your refund, or make tax payments; call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish); 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon; or email questions.dor@oregon.gov.

Fact Sheet: Oregon Revenue Surplus “Kicker” Credit 

How did Oregon get the kicker?

The 1979 Oregon Legislative Assembly passed the “Two percent kicker” law as a way to control state spending. The law requires the state to compare the revenue forecast for each two-year biennium to the amount actually received and return any surplus to taxpayers.

Voters approved a ballot measure adding the kicker to the Oregon Constitution in 2000 and provided taxpayers with the option to donate their kicker to the State School Fund to help fund K-12 schools in Oregon.

When do we have a kicker?

After the biennium ends, if actual revenue collected exceeds the forecast amount by more than 2 percent, the revenue surplus is refunded to taxpayers as a tax credit claimed on their personal income tax returns in the even-numbered year of the next biennium.

On November 1, 2025 the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis (OEA) certified that revenue collected for 2023-2025 biennium (July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025) had exceeded the OEA forecast by $1.41 billion, the fourth largest surplus revenue amount in state history.

OEA further certified that Oregon taxpayers can receive a kicker credit on their tax year 2025 returns filed in 2026 equal to 9.863 percent of their Oregon personal income tax liability for tax year 2024.

The kicker is returned to taxpayers as a tax credit.

The kicker is returned to taxpayers as a refundable tax credit, either reducing the amount of tax they owe or increasing their refund.

While there was a time when the kicker was returned to taxpayers in the form of a check, the 2011 Legislature changed the method of payment back to a tax credit claimed on returns filed in the even-numbered year of the biennium.

How much will my kicker be?

Taxpayers can use the Department of Revenue’s “What’s My Kicker?” calculator to determine the amount of their kicker.

Taxpayers can claim a kicker credit equal to 9.863 percent of their Oregon personal income tax liability for tax year 2024. A taxpayer with a $5,000 Oregon personal income tax liability for tax year 2024 would be able to claim a kicker credit on their tax year 2025 return of $493 ($5,000 x 0.09863). Only Oregon personal income tax liability for tax year 2024 will count toward the kicker. Taxes paid in previous years and federal income taxes are not part of the kicker calculation.

Where can I find more information about the kicker?

You can find more information about the kicker and a link to the “What’s My Kicker?” calculator on the Oregon Department of Revenue website, including a list of frequently asked questions, and historic data listing the years of past kickers and their amounts.”

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